Flawed Florida Highway Patrol Investigation in Fatal Auto Crash
A mother from Orange County, Florida, could not believe a jury found the driver of a speeding car that killed her son and another not guilty, according to WFTV.com.
The verdict from the Orlando jury on Thursday, September 23, was partially helped by a sloppy investigation conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). During the trial, an FHP investigator said he did not do a second set of measurements on the car driven by Justin Lawson, 19.
Lawson was allegedly going 90 mph in his Mustang on State Road 520 when he lost control in December 2007. Lawson’s vehicle went airborne and crashed into the car being driven by Robin Hollar, who was killed at the scene along with Lawson’s girlfriend, who was a passenger in the Mustang.
The FHP investigator had no explanation as to why he did one set of measurements rather than two, which would have established the speed Lawson was traveling at the time of the collision.
Lawson was allegedly racing against a truck, but the FHP never found the truck driver, a potential witness.
The jury also failed to convict Lawson of reckless driving. Less than three months after this deadly crash, Lawson was cited for careless driving.
Our condolences go out to Mary Hollar for the death of her son.
Auto accident litigation is highly complex and an experienced Florida wrongful death car crash attorney can help ensure that proper evidence is gathered and presented during proceedings to help hold negligent parties accountable.
